Katy Kile '11 Recruiting Profile

With the sun glaring down on me, I peered cautiously over the sharp embankment to the elusive flag in the distance. It seemed like a thousand miles to the 4� inch cup. On the fourth hole of Greatwood course--a par 3 hole, I had pushed the ball out to the right and landed squarely in the lake. My club selection was correct; however, my aim had left something to be desired on that hole. Confident that I could salvage my score on this hole, I was deep in thought, debating how best to address the shot. After selecting a 50� wedge, I chipped the ball about four feet into the air. As the ball hit the front of the green, I found myself willing the ball to the hole. While the ball slowly rolled the painstaking ten yards toward the cup, I realized that my dogged persistence had once again paid dividends. My golf game has become a testament to an Elbert Hubbard quote, "A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success." My dad introduced me to the game when I was nine years old. He was involved in a four-man scramble with gentlemen twice his age. Although every pore of their bodies exuded competitiveness, it was evident at the end of the day that each loved the game. That same summer, my dad entered me in my first five-hole tournament and with that, I was hooked. Since that summer, I have been singly focused on golf. I've focused on improving my technique with the aid of three Pro golf instructors and on improving my mental toughness, fueled by a strong personal need to excel. Most inspiring was my reading of Golf's Sacred Journey by Dr. David Cook. His insights into the mental aspect of golf had a positive impact on my game, evidenced by my recent improvement in bunker play. Perseverance has also served me well as a member of my high school golf team. During my freshman and sophomore years, I struggled with mental toughness and concentration, focusing too much on my position within the team and how far I could drive the ball. After much hard work, I have made positive strides in this area. In addition, as a senior co-captain of the team, I more easily recognize the potential in other teammates and am better situated to mentor younger golfers. For example, because it is fairly early in our school year, the high school team membership has not been solidified. The team desperately needs a consistent, fifth player. One of the junior players has the potential to be that player for our team. Unfortunately, she lacks the mental confidence to produce on a consistent basis. Because of my previous experiences in this area, I am able to relate to her and mentor her. Being a senior co-captain of the team has also taught me successful leadership and teamwork skills, applicable to the sport as well as academic settings. I've learned the subtleties of channeling multiple and diverse perspectives into the goal of a unified team, my listening skills have been honed, and I have maintained my Honor Roll status. Experiences such as the 2010 Texas-Mexico cup, American Junior Golf Association, and high school golf team have prepared me well for playing golf at the collegiate level. I believe that my personal traits--perseverance, excellence, and teamwork--and my experiences would contribute as much as my golf skills to a collegiate team. I appreciate being able to contribute to and be a part of an effort larger than myself. Equally, with guidance from the right golf coach and team members, I can sharpen my golf skills. Toward this end, I am seeking a coach that works to improve the skills of both the individual and the team and interacts with all team members. The coach would also be passionate about the game and relate to team members in a positive manner. Moreover, my desired team would be one in which any player has the potential to be the best golfer on any particular day. This provides an environment in which iron truly sharpens iron. Playing collegiate golf is the chance of a lifetime. I hope to be able to seize it; I am striving to excel and realize my potential through my own golf adventure. By the way, I made the shot.